Unexpected announcement: the Savannah bananas owner Jesse Cole, shortly announced, (Dakota “Stilts) as the current manager following Tyler Gillum departure few minutes ago due to………. more details
In a stunning and unexpected development that sent ripples through the baseball and entertainment worlds, Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole announced that fan-favorite player Dakota “Stilts” has been appointed as the team’s new manager. The decision follows the sudden departure of longtime skipper Tyler Gillum, who stepped down just minutes before the announcement.
The Savannah Bananas, famous for their viral brand of “Banana Ball” and showmanship that blends circus-like entertainment with competitive baseball, have never shied away from surprises. Yet even for a team known for pushing boundaries, this move is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Gillum has been synonymous with the Bananas’ rise to fame. Serving as head coach and manager since 2018, he was instrumental in blending competitive coaching strategies with the team’s playful, fan-first philosophy. Under his leadership, the Bananas went from being a quirky collegiate summer team to becoming an international entertainment phenomenon, selling out stadiums across the country and racking up millions of social media followers.
According to early reports, Gillum’s departure was prompted by personal reasons that required him to step away from the daily grind of leading the Bananas. In his farewell remarks, he expressed gratitude to Jesse Cole, the players, and the fans who turned the Bananas into more than just a baseball team.
“This has been the ride of a lifetime,” Gillum reportedly said in an emotional statement. “I’ve seen this team grow into something the world has never seen before. But right now, I need to focus on my family and personal journey. The Bananas will always have my heart.”
The news left fans stunned, as Gillum was considered the perfect embodiment of the Banana Ball ethos—serious about winning but never afraid to dance on the field, join the party, and inspire both players and supporters.
As Gillum exited, Jesse Cole wasted no time in naming his replacement. In a moment that felt more like a theatrical reveal than a press conference, Cole introduced Dakota “Stilts” Albritton as the new manager.
Stilts has been a centerpiece of the Bananas’ spectacle. Standing at 6’10” even without his trademark stilts, he became an instant fan favorite for bringing humor, athleticism, and an outsized personality to the team. His appearances towering above the diamond—sometimes literally on stilts—captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
But beneath the showmanship lies a true student of the game. Stilts has built a reputation as not only a performer but also a leader in the clubhouse. His ability to connect with teammates, balance entertainment with execution, and embody the spirit of the Bananas made him a natural fit in Cole’s eyes.
“Dakota is the future of Banana Ball,” Jesse Cole declared during the announcement. “He represents everything we believe in—fun, creativity, and passion for baseball. With Gillum’s blessing, we’re proud to name him the new manager of the Savannah Bananas.”
The promotion of Stilts isn’t just unconventional—it’s unprecedented. Professional sports rarely see a player leap directly into managerial duties, let alone a figure as unconventional as Stilts. Yet in the world of Banana Ball, where rules are rewritten and tradition is upended, this move feels strangely fitting.
For Stilts, the moment was surreal. “When Jesse called me into his office, I thought it was to talk about a new routine for our next tour stop,” he said with a laugh. “I never imagined I’d be asked to step into Coach Gillum’s shoes. He’s been a mentor and a friend, and I want to honor what he built. But I’m also ready to bring my own flavor to this crazy, beautiful thing we call Banana Ball.
Stilts’ appointment reflects the Bananas’ broader mission to show that baseball can be about more than just balls, strikes, and runs. It’s about community, joy, and making memories that stick with fans long after the final inning.
The news spread quickly across social media, sparking a wave of emotions. Some fans expressed sadness over Gillum’s departure, praising his steady leadership and innovation. Others were thrilled at the idea of Stilts leading the team, calling it the “most Bananas move ever.
Another posted Tyler Gillum is a legend. Thank you for everything. But Dakota as manager? That’s the plot twist we didn’t know we needed.
The combination of nostalgia for Gillum and excitement for Stilts has created a bittersweet but electric moment in Banana Nation.
The Bananas are entering a new chapter, and the stakes are higher than ever. Their world tours sell out stadiums nationwide, and their social media presence continues to grow. With Stilts now at the helm, fans can expect a blend of continuity and innovation.
On the field, it remains to be seen how Stilts will balance his role as a manager with his identity as a performer. Will he still don the stilts? Will he bring fresh twists to Banana Ball rules? Or will he step into a more traditional managerial role, guiding strategy and motivating players?
What’s clear is that Jesse Cole trusts him to carry the torch. Cole has always preached that the Bananas aren’t just about winning—they’re about transforming the fan experience. In Stilts, he sees a leader who can inspire players and fans alike while keeping the Bananas’ culture alive.
Tyler Gillum’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era in Banana Ball. His leadership, creativity, and energy made the Bananas what they are today. But in true Bananas fashion, the team isn’t slowing down—they’re doubling down on the unexpected.
Dakota “Stilts” stepping into the manager’s role is a bold experiment, one that perfectly captures the team’s motto: Fans First. Always. It’s a risk, but one filled with promise, excitement, and a little bit of chaos—the very things that made the Bananas famous in the first place.
As Stilts put it in his first statement as manager Banana Ball has never been about doing things the normal way. It’s about doing things the fun way. And that’s exactly how we’re going to keep moving forward.